Corrosion of delta plutonium in Rocky Flats tap water

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Abstract
Corrosion rates were established by measuring the weight loss of a sample completely immersed in tap water for specified periods of time. Tests were conducted for periods ranging from 21 to 1824 hours at ambient temperature in sealed 125-ml containers. The weight changes observed revealed that the corrosion of delta plutonium by tap water in a closed system occurs through two separate processes. Each results in a different average corrosion rate. Initially a typical diffusion-controlled surface reaction was observed which resulted in an average corrosion rate of 0.264 mg(cm/sup 2/.h). The second corrosion process begins when cracking and flaking of the corrosion product layer occurs. This results in an increase in the corrosion rate to 0.52 mg/(cm/sup 2/.h). 3 figures, 2 tables.

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